Museums of the State of Delaware 2018–2019 winter-holiday schedule

(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 18, 2018)—Travelers, and residents enjoying being home for the winter holidays, can learn about the First State’s many contributions to the history and culture of the United States by visiting any of the five museums of the State of Delaware (the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum). Admission is free and open to the public for all of the museums.

The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, will be open from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve). The John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum will be closed on Dec. 31, 2018.

Following is complete information about each of the museums:

John Dickinson Plantation. Home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

New Castle Court House Museum. Built in 1732, this structure served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State. 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 –4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

The Old State House. Completed in 1791, this building served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. The structure is situated on Dover’s historic Green, a public area laid out in 1717 in accordance with William Penn’s order of 1683. 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 –4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Zwaanendael Museum. The museum commemorates Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. It serves as a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

Division of Child Support Services Now Accepting Payments by Credit and Debit Cards

Delaware’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) began accepting payments by credit and debit cards through iPayOnline on Dec. 1, 2018. The iPayOnline service allows employers and individuals to schedule and make child support payments securely over the internet using their bank account, credit card or debit card.

Users will be able to schedule one-time or recurring payments, keep track of pending payments, as well as be able to view their payment history and print account records.

Division of Child Support Services Director Ted Mermigos

Payments made through iPay Online using a bank account are free. For service users choosing to make payments from a credit or debit card, there is a convenience fee of $3, plus 3 percent of the payment amount. During fiscal year 2018, the division collected $86 million in child support payments on 80,000 cases.

“We are pleased to continue offering additional ways for individuals and employers to make child support payments in Delaware,” said Ted Mermigos, Director of the Division of Child Support Services. “We hope to ease the burden of those paying child support by providing more options.”

For those looking to use the iPayOnline system to make payments, first time users will need to register online.

Those with questions about child support or questions related to iPayOnline can call and speak to a Child Support Specialist, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. In New Castle County, call (302) 577-7171; in Kent County, call (302) 739-8299; and in Sussex County, call (302) 867-5386.

DCSS’s Automated Assistance Line is also available 24/7 with information in both English and Spanish. Customers will need their case number when they call.

Dec. 15 Is the Last Day to Sign up for 2019 Coverage on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace

DHSS Secretary Kara Odom Walker

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 13, 2018) – Delawareans have just days left to sign up for or to change their health coverage for 2019 through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment ends on Dec. 15, with coverage for those who enroll by that date and who pay their first premium beginning Jan. 1, 2019.

State residents can sign up for coverage at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free, in-person assistance is available through Westside Family Healthcare at 302-472-8655 in New Castle County and 302-678-2205 in Kent and Sussex counties. State-licensed insurance agents and brokers also can help individuals enroll or re-enroll and help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge. For contact information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com.

As of Dec. 8, 10,378 Delawareans had signed up for 2019 coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, a decrease of 10 percent from a similar period last year. For 2018, 24,500 people enrolled for coverage, including more than half who signed up for or renewed their coverage in the final week of open enrollment.

“We urge Delawareans who need coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace to take action now to enroll. The deadline will not be extended,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician. “As a physician, I see the difference that having access to insurance, as well as the connection to care that coverage brings.”

Consumers can go to HealthCare.gov to shop for coverage for 2019, compare plans and to enroll before midnight Saturday, Dec. 15. Individuals who need help enrolling can receive free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at several Delaware organizations, including Westside Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown.

Westside Family Healthcare is hosting drop-in enrollment sessions through Saturday. The schedule:

Information about any health insurance that is available to you or your family through a job.

If you have previously enrolled on the Health Insurance Marketplace, bring your log-in and account information.

About 82 percent of those enrolled on Delaware’s marketplace for 2018 received tax credits to help pay their monthly premiums. For those eligible for financial assistance, the average premium after tax credits in 2018 was $122 per month. Financial help is available to individuals with an annual household income up to $48,560 and up to $100,400 for a family of four.

“Many people don’t realize that they may be eligible for tax credits to help pay their monthly premiums,” Secretary Walker said. “If you are uncertain about your eligibility based on your annual household income, it’s best to contact a local enrollment assister to help walk you through the process, and explore your options.”

For 2019, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is the only insurer on Delaware’s marketplace, offering a total of eight plans for individuals and families – one gold plan, three silver, two bronze, one catastrophic and one platinum. The metal categories are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company. Bronze plans have low monthly premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care; gold plans have high premiums, but lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

Two insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc., and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – offer a total of 11 stand-alone dental plans, five with a low actuarial level (70 percent) and six with a high actuarial level (85 percent).

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some Delawareans might be eligible for coverage through Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

After open enrollment ends Dec. 15, Delawareans can enroll in coverage only if they experience a life event that qualifies them for a special enrollment period. Among the many qualifying life events are birth or adoption of a child, a permanent move, loss of other coverage through your job, and marriage.

2018 Education Preparation reports show programs’ progress

The Delaware Department of Education today released 2018 biennial reports on the state’s teacher and specialist educator preparation programs, part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen educator preparation programs in the First State.

The reports provide information ranging from the diversity of programs’ candidate classes to student performance outcomes of graduates, to employment placement and retention within the state. The reports show progress on some fronts, most notably that the state’s institutes of higher education are making some progress in attracting a more diverse class of future educators.

In 2018, across all educator preparation programs in Delaware, 1 in 4 candidates identified as an individual of color, compared to 1 in 5 two years ago. While about 56 percent of Delaware’s student population identifies as a race other than white, only 15 percent of the educator workforce does.

“Diversifying the teaching workforce is an important priority for the state as we strive to create an educator workforce that is more reflective of our student population,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “While we still have work to do, I commend the work our colleges and universities have undertaken to more successfully attract candidates of color to and retain them in their teacher preparation programs.”

The reports also show gains for specific programs. Delaware State University has increased its program sizes across the board, for example. And University of Delaware’s Blended Early Childhood Program increased its overall score thanks to increases in student outcomes and the observation of teacher practices in PK-2 classrooms as well as supervisor perceptions of the program graduates’ level of preparedness.

The program reports garner programs continued approval to operate based on data. Programs are classified into the following categories based on their performance – Renewed, Renewed With Conditions, or Probation. Some particularly small programs are noted to be a Program Under Further Review due to extremely limited data.

The reports provide prospective students considering educator preparation programs in Delaware a resource for learning about their options while the state’s districts and charter schools have additional information on the strengths of each program.

About half of Delaware’s novice educators are prepared by Delaware preparation programs; the reports are a part of the state’s overall strategy to strengthen such programs throughout the state.

All available performance data is used to classify all programs, whether or not they generated a program report. Overall the 2018 results show 28 programs categorized as renewed, 9 programs renewed with conditions, and two programs on probation. Additionally, 14 programs are classified as a program under further review due to insufficient data. Programs that are renewed with conditions or placed on probation will be required to submit a plan of action for improvement to the Delaware Department of Education. Programs under further review must demonstrate the workforce need the program is meeting and additional evidence of meeting program standards. A state summary of all programs is also included in the release.

Buena Vista Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018

-One-day-only event showcases one of Delaware’s most historic homes-

(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 4, 2018)—Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate will be decked out for a one-day-only holiday open-house on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The open house will feature decorations and children’s craft activities, plus self-guided tours of the home and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.

Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate

Located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Buena Vista is one of Delaware’s most historic homes. The main section of the house was built between 1845 and 1847 by John M. Clayton, United States secretary of state from 1849 to 1850 under presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and United States senator from 1829 to 1836, 1845 to 1849, and 1853 until his death in 1856. The home later became the residence of C. Douglass Buck, governor of Delaware from 1929 to 1937, and United States senator from 1942 to 1948. Buena Vista and its grounds were donated to the state by the Buck family in 1965 and now serve as a conference/event center administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate is administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference/event center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.